Toroman sees tough stint for Team Pilipinas

Serbian coach Rajko Toroman Sunday said the PowerAde-Team Pilipinas would be fighting at a disadvantage against teams that have been together for years.

“It’s very difficult to beat Jordan, Lebanon and Iran,” said Toroman, 54, who helped Iran win the FIBA-Asia in 2007 and earn a seat in the Beijing Olympics last year.

“Together with China, these teams – Iran, Lebanon and Jordan – are together for a lot of years. They’ve been together, playing friendly games, lots of international competitions. It will be very difficult (for the Philippines) to qualify to the world," he added.

The Filipinos are leaving Tuesday for Tianjin, China to compete in the FIBA-Asia championship where three slots are at stake for the world championship.

Toroman, who observed the recent Jones Cup in Taipei, said RP's rivals have better chemistry and preparation and are used to international brand of play.

However, Toroman is not ruling out a surprise showing by the Filipinos, but advised against their tendency to go one-on-one.

"Like their counterparts from South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan, Filipinos are well-skilled and have the talent but they have to fight for the ball,” said Toroman.

To do well, Toroman said the team must play under the system designed by RP coach Yeng Guiao.

“They have to play under the system (of Guiao), if they play individually, no success,” Toroman said.

“Sacrifice for the team. Individually they can’t do anything against powerhouse teams like China, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon,” added Toroman.

Toroman has been tapped by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to form and train a team that hopefully will qualify to the London Olympics in 2012. [click here for SMART GILAS team videos and photos]

The last time the Filipinos took part in the FIBA-Asia, the PBA-powered squad of Chot Reyes failed to qualify in the quarterfinals and finished ninth.

In Tianjin, the Nationals are in Group A with former Asian rivals South Korea and Japan, as well as Sri Lanka in the opening round.

The top three teams after the single round robin advance to the next round against the top three of Group B teams made up of Chinese Taipei, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and defending champion Iran. The results of the opening round will be carried over.

China heads Group C that is also composed of Kazakhstan, Qatar and India while Lebanon, Jordan, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates make up Group D. Both groups will also be combined for the next phase.

The top four teams in each group of the second stage advance to the crossover quarterfinal round.

Based on the results of the recent Jones Cup, Iran is a cinch to advance to the quarterfinals with the last three slots to be disputed by the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Chinese-Taipei and Uzbekistan.

The FBA-Asia event kicks off Friday with the Philippines taking on Sri Lanka in the opener at 9 a.m. at the Tianjin gym.

On Saturday, the Nationals clash with Japan at 9 p.m. also at the same venue and wind up their preliminary assisnments against South Korea the next day at the same place and time.